Our Team

Elissa brings over 20 years of experience as a Director of two large behavioral health companies. She holds a Masters Degree in Community Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. In addition, she maintained her own private practice for over 15 years. Although Life Development Institute is not a therapeutic program by definition, Elissa’s clinical background and expertise are vital to the day to day operations of the institute. Since 2008, Elissa has been an integral member of the management team responsible for supervision of staff, students and program development. In addition, Elissa provides information and support to the parents, educational consultants and the community.

Elissa was born in NewYork City, raised in Monterey, California, but made Arizona her home over 25 years ago. Married in 2008, Elissa and her husband, Joshua are both avid Arizona Diamondbacks fans. Their children consist of two pugs, Princess and Master Yoda. Other interests include spending time with family and friends, gardening and traveling.

About Life Development Institute

LDI offers internationally recognized and fully-accredited high school, college and career-focused programming in a community-based apartment setting for young adults with LD, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, NLD and similar conditions.